“The development of the capital markets has an important role in creating long-term financing for the private sector, this is a challenge we have taken upon ourselves to ensure a balanced economy for the benefit of the Lebanese and their businesses”
Riad T. Salame,
Chairman of the CMA
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
“CMA considers itself responsible for the safeguarding of investors in Lebanon, and this is why we have labored to establish a rigorous regulatory framework that puts the individual and their savings in financial securities as its centerpiece”
Riad T. Salame,
Chairman of the CMA
HOW TO AVOID FRAUD
Ask QuestionsFraudsters are counting on you not to investigate before you invest. Fend them off by doing your own digging. It’s not enough to ask for more information or for references. Take the time to do your own independent research.
HOW TO AVOID FRAUD
Research before you investUninvited emails, message board postings, and company news releases should never be used as the sole basis for your investment decisions. Whatever you decide to invest in, make sure to understand and research your investment options.
When considering company stocks or other securities that are affected by the performance of the company, know the company’s business and access their financial statements.
If you are investing in collective investment schemes, research carefully the investment prospectus that should be made available to you.
HOW TO AVOID FRAUD
Know the Sales PersonSpend some time checking out the person touting the investment before you invest – even if you already know the person socially. Anyone who tries to sell you an investment or give you investment advice must be registered unless they have an exemption. You can contact the CMA to check if a person and the firm they work for are registered and approved, and to find out if they have been subject to any disciplinary actions.
HOW TO AVOID FRAUD
Be wary of uninvited offersUninvited offers from parties that you are not familiar with are a sign that you need to investigate more. They usually come with offers that sound appealing and profitable. Do not give in to their offers, especially as they usually try to rush you in making investment decisions before you can find out if they are fraudulent or not.
HOW TO AVOID FRAUD
Too good to be true?When an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, it usually is too good to be true. Be wary of such offers !
BASIC INVESTOR TIPS
Invest in your futureInvesting simply means to put your money to work so it can create more money. For many Lebanese, investing is not only prudent—it’s a necessity. Increasingly, the responsibility for retirement planning is shifting to the individual. Saving for retirement will likely be the biggest financial goal for most Lebanese and investing is one of the few ways that can help them achieve it. There are many different ways you can go about investing. This includes putting money into stocks, bonds, mutual funds and real estate, to name just a few.
BASIC INVESTOR TIPS
Be involved in your investmentThe bottom line is that it is your money, and who will care more about your money than you? No matter who’s actually handling your investments, only you will know if you are comfortable with the investment choices. And it’s up to you to stay on top of your investments to make sure they keep working for you.
BASIC INVESTOR TIPS
Suitability is keyEach investment has its own characteristics and some investments will be better suited to you than others. When you understand who you are as an investor, it will be easier to make the choices that are right for you.
BASIC INVESTOR TIPS
How comfortable are you investing on your own?Your desire to do your own research and select investments is another important consideration. How much time are you willing to spend sorting through investment choices and keeping up with the markets? How confident are you in your investment knowledge and ability to carry out your decisions?
If you need some guidance, you may want to seek the services of a Financial Adviser.
BASIC INVESTOR TIPS
How to find a Financial AdvisorAsk friends, family, work associates and other professionals you trust, like your accountant or lawyer, for referrals. Keep in mind that what’s good for one person may not be good for another.
You can also contact the CMA to find out who is approved to perform advisory services.
BASIC INVESTOR TIPS
Making the most of the relationship with your advisorThink of your relationship with your advisor as a partnership, with both of you working to achieve your financial goals. You'll want to keep the lines of communication open and meet at least annually. Ask questions when you don't understand something. Be honest with yourself and your advisor about your financial situation. Your advisor needs accurate information to recommend the best investments for you.
BASIC INVESTOR TIPS
Know where to go for helpYou can contact the CMA to check if a person offering financial services is Registered and the Institution they work for is Authorized and Approved. Also, you can find out if they have been subject to any disciplinary actions.
BASIC INVESTOR TIPS
Are you vulnerable to fraud? Everyone is.There is no "typical" victim of fraud. Professional scam artists go where the money is, which means that if you have money to invest, you're vulnerable to fraud. Most successful scams are built on trust. Scam artists often start off by asking seemingly harmless questions about your health, family or hobbies. For example, they may find out that you're worried about not having enough money to retire on. They then use what they've learned to target their sales pitch to your specific situation.
BASIC INVESTOR TIPS
Beware of scam-artistsFraudsters are counting on you not to investigate before you invest. Fend them off by doing your own digging. It’s not enough to ask for more information or for references. Take the time to do your own independent research.
One-third of fraud victims are scammed for less than $1,000. Whatever the amount, it can be difficult or impossible to get your money back once you've given it to a scam artist.
BECOME QUALIFIED
Qualification ExamsAccording to L&R Series 2000, there are 11 registrable functions set by the CMA in order to be involved in securities-related business.
After your ExamOnce Exams are undertaken, results will be officially communicated to the CMA by the sponsoring financial institution. The CMA Board will meet and issue a final decision on the new registration status of the applicant. The CMA shall communicate to the individual or the institution that has applied on their behalf the final approval.